Top 20 Blue-Tongue Skink FAQs (part 1)

Aug 28

Written By Stumps Custom Woods

1. What enclosure size does a blue-tongue skink need?
An adult needs at least a 4×2×2 ft floor space. Our 4×2×2 Black PVC Enclosure provides 75 gallons of prime real estate, excellent insulation, and easy cleaning—ideal for a single skink.

2. Should I use glass or PVC for my skink’s enclosure?
PVC retains heat better and resists scratches and moisture, while glass offers crystal-clear viewing. For stable temperature and hygiene, we recommend PVC.

3. What substrate is best for blue-tongue skinks?
Use a mix of coconut fiber and orchid bark, or paper-based bedding. Avoid loose sand or gravel that can cause impaction.

4. What temperature gradient do they require?
Provide a basking spot of 95–100°F and a cool side of 75–85°F. Night temperatures can safely drop to 65–70°F.

5. Do blue-tongue skinks need UVB lighting?
Yes. A low-output (5.0) fluorescent UVB lamp for 10–12 hours daily supports calcium metabolism and prevents metabolic bone disease.

6. How often should I feed my blue-tongue skink?
Juveniles: daily feeding of insects and small portions of greens. Adults: every other day, alternating protein (insects, lean meats) with 75% vegetables and fruits.

7. What should a balanced diet look like?
Offer a ratio of 40% protein (crickets, roaches, lean ground turkey), 40% greens (collards, mustard greens), 15% vegetables (squash, carrots), and 5% fruit.

8. How much water do they need?
Provide a shallow water dish large enough to soak in. Change water daily and soak hatchlings weekly for 15 minutes to ensure hydration.

9. How do I know if my skink is healthy?
Active behavior, clear eyes, smooth shed, and a firm body indicate good health. Lack of appetite or lethargy signals a vet visit.

10. How often should I clean the enclosure?
Spot-clean daily. Deep-clean and disinfect monthly with a reptile-safe cleaner. PVC surfaces wipe down in minutes and resist bacterial growth.

6 Foot (72") Black PVC Habitat Bioactive Reptile Enclosures

from $550.00

11. Can blue-tongue skinks be housed together?
Generally no—skinks can be territorial. If you must, use a very large enclosure, watch for aggression, and provide multiple hides.

12. What enrichment do they need?
Include hides, driftwood branches, rocks for basking, and digging substrate. Rotate décor to encourage exploration and reduce stress.

13. How do I handle a blue-tongue skink safely?
Support the body firmly with both hands. Approach slowly, avoid sudden movements, and never grab by the tail to prevent autotomy.

14. Do blue-tongue skinks brumate?
In temperate climates, some may brumate. Replicate natural light and temperature cycles if you choose to allow brumation, but ensure good health beforehand.

15. What are common health issues?
Watch for respiratory infections (wheezing), mouth rot (discharge), and parasites. Seek a reptile-savvy vet at the first sign of illness.

16. How often do they shed?
Young skinks shed every 4–6 weeks; adults every 2–3 months. Provide a humid hide or misting to aid the shedding process.

17. Can blue-tongue skinks swim?
They can swim briefly but are terrestrial. A water dish is for soaking and drinking only; avoid deep water to prevent drowning.

18. What humidity level is ideal?
Maintain 40–60% humidity. Use a hygrometer to monitor and mist as needed, especially during shedding.

19. How do I introduce new skinks?
Quarantine new arrivals for 30 days in a separate enclosure. Observe feeding, shedding, and waste before any introduction.

20. How long do blue-tongue skinks live?
With proper care, they can live 15–20 years, often becoming beloved lifelong companions.

Product Spotlight – Why Our 4×2×2 Black PVC Enclosure Is Perfect
For many of these FAQs—especially question #1—our 4×2×2 Black PVC Enclosure offers the ultimate solution. Built from premium matte-black PVC, it holds heat efficiently, wipes clean in seconds, and ships in under 45 days. Treat your skink to a spacious, secure home that’s as easy for you to maintain as it is cozy for your pet.

Links
• Stumps Custom Wood – 4×2×2 Black PVC Reptile Enclosure
• Reptiles Magazine – Blue-Tongue Skink Care
• The Spruce Pets – Blue-Tongue Skink Guide
• Link to How to Clean Your PVC Reptile Enclosure Without Stressing Your Pet
• Link to Beginner’s Guide to Feeding Live Insects to Your Reptile
• Link to Where to buy custom enclosures

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Stumps Custom Woods

We Fight Together

September 19, 2019 life stopped when I was involved in a motorcycle accident. I negotiated a second chance but it cost a leg and half my pelvis. We're proud to have been blessed with this second chance at life and are making the most of it through my passion for woodworking and custom live edge creations. Our family offers the highest quality, most unique live edge furniture & decorations on the market today. We aim to create original pieces that cannot be sourced locally and really bring your home, office, business, or project together through our organizational home decor . From our family to yours, we put lots of love and careful attention in each item. We hope you enjoy our work as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. Check out our Beautiful Bathtub Caddy's In time for Mother's day

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Top 20 Blue-Tongue Skink FAQs (part 1)

1. What enclosure size does a blue-tongue skink need? An adult needs at least a 4×2×2 ft floor space. Our 4×2×2 Black PVC Enclosure provides 75 gallons of prime real estate, excellent insulation, and easy cleaning—ideal for a single skink.

2. Should I use glass or PVC for my skink’s enclosure? PVC retains heat better and resists scratches and moisture, while glass offers crystal-clear viewing. For stable temperature and hygiene, we recommend PVC.

3. What substrate is best for blue-tongue skinks? Use a mix of coconut fiber and orchid bark, or paper-based bedding. Avoid loose sand or gravel that can cause impaction.

4. What temperature gradient do they require? Provide a basking spot of 95–100°F and a cool side of 75–85°F. Night temperatures can safely drop to 65–70°F.

5. Do blue-tongue skinks need UVB lighting? Yes. A low-output (5.0) fluorescent UVB lamp for 10–12 hours daily supports calcium metabolism and prevents metabolic bone disease.

6. How often should I feed my blue-tongue skink? Juveniles: daily feeding of insects and small portions of greens. Adults: every other day, alternating protein (insects, lean meats) with 75% vegetables and fruits.

7. What should a balanced diet look like? Offer a ratio of 40% protein (crickets, roaches, lean ground turkey), 40% greens (collards, mustard greens), 15% vegetables (squash, carrots), and 5% fruit.

8. How much water do they need? Provide a shallow water dish large enough to soak in. Change water daily and soak hatchlings weekly for 15 minutes to ensure hydration.

9. How do I know if my skink is healthy? Active behavior, clear eyes, smooth shed, and a firm body indicate good health. Lack of appetite or lethargy signals a vet visit.

10. How often should I clean the enclosure? Spot-clean daily. Deep-clean and disinfect monthly with a reptile-safe cleaner. PVC surfaces wipe down in minutes and resist bacterial growth.

11. Can blue-tongue skinks be housed together? Generally no—skinks can be territorial. If you must, use a very large enclosure, watch for aggression, and provide multiple hides.

12. What enrichment do they need? Include hides, driftwood branches, rocks for basking, and digging substrate. Rotate décor to encourage exploration and reduce stress.

13. How do I handle a blue-tongue skink safely? Support the body firmly with both hands. Approach slowly, avoid sudden movements, and never grab by the tail to prevent autotomy.

14. Do blue-tongue skinks brumate? In temperate climates, some may brumate. Replicate natural light and temperature cycles if you choose to allow brumation, but ensure good health beforehand.

15. What are common health issues? Watch for respiratory infections (wheezing), mouth rot (discharge), and parasites. Seek a reptile-savvy vet at the first sign of illness.

16. How often do they shed? Young skinks shed every 4–6 weeks; adults every 2–3 months. Provide a humid hide or misting to aid the shedding process.

17. Can blue-tongue skinks swim? They can swim briefly but are terrestrial. A water dish is for soaking and drinking only; avoid deep water to prevent drowning.

18. What humidity level is ideal? Maintain 40–60% humidity. Use a hygrometer to monitor and mist as needed, especially during shedding.

19. How do I introduce new skinks? Quarantine new arrivals for 30 days in a separate enclosure. Observe feeding, shedding, and waste before any introduction.

20. How long do blue-tongue skinks live? With proper care, they can live 15–20 years, often becoming beloved lifelong companions.

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